October in Review

Hello Sunshine…

The last 6 weeks have passed in a blur, I can’t believe that in 2 weeks I’m off to Antigua for the charter show. This charter broker event kicks off the Caribbean season and from here the yachts get planning for their Christmas and New Year charters,  there are still a few options available but the more difficult part is getting the flights…

Try Before you Buy

There is no better way to make a decision on what Yacht is right for you than to spend an extended period aboard. You learn very little from a 1 hour test sail or a boat show visit, you need to experience life aboard, under sail and engine, at anchor and in marinas, asleep and awake.   Read more about it on the S6Marine website

The yachts are all en-route to the Caribbean, Champagne Hippy, Oyster 825, left the UK last week and will be in Las Palmas in time to make the start of the ARC, she’s available from February from the BVIs to Grenada, we are also taking bookings for the Atlantic Crossings.  These dolphins were with them for hours yesterday. 

GiGi, CNB66 was put on a ship yesterday to transport her to Antigua. She has a small window left for charters between the 5th – 16th February and after 25th March to 10th April 2020. 

Allegro, CNB 76 left Cap d’Agde on Wednesday and Amazon Creek, CNB77 is in Lanzarote and will leave this weekend for Antigua making it just in time for the show. 

It’s all go! Email Lizzie at charter@diyachting.co.uk for Caribbean availability

My favourite itinerary for the Leeward Islands is to fly into Antigua and sail north  to St Maarten, almost downwind all the way.  Here is my 7 day itinerary:

Day One – Arrive in Antigua and join the yacht in Falmouth Harbour on the south coast, just in time for a stroll to the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, which has been lovingly restored, stop at the Admiral’s Inn for a pina colada.

Day Two – Sail to NonSuch Bay, its a beat upwind so you’ll be glad to spend the afternoon at anchor in the stunning anchorage behind the reef at Green Island for the night. It’s a popular kitesurfing spot.

Day Three – Sail to Barbuda, lunch under sail, arriving mid afternoon in time to walk down the beautiful pink shell beach and swim in the crystal clear waters.

Day Four – Wake up in Barbuda and be amazed by it’s beauty, take an early morning tour to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, then its off on the big day sail to St Barths, 50miles, but it’s fast downwind sailing all the way. Arrive in Gustavia with enough time for a cool off swim before sunset.  

Day Five – Wake up in Gustavia, time for a quick game of spot the turtle, then into Gustavia to browse the designer shops, take the walk up to the light house for the best view over Gustavia Harbour. The Plage de St Jean has a beautiful beach and some great beach clubs and restaurants to discover, which should still leave you with enough time for a change of anchorage before sunset.

Day Six – Time to leave the beautiful people of St Barths and head to St Maarten, making a lunch stop on the way, at Tintamerre. The evening is in Marigot on the French side of the island, St Martin is a Duty Free island so watch out for a few deals here.

Day Seven – Sail round to the Dutch side and Simpson Bay arriving early afternoon in time to get ashore and see the famous Sunset Beach Bar.

Day Eight – Back to the airport, as it’s all over, time to say goodbye to the warmth of the Caribbean sun & people. 

Last  month we were delighted to hear we’d been awarded Best Yacht Charter Company of the Year by the readers of Caribbean World.  A huge honour and our first big award, hopefully the first of many.

The next big boat show on the European Calendar is Dusseldorf. 18th – 26th January 2020.  Tickets are already on sale, €19.00 for a day day ticket and €27.00 for a two day pass, to be honest you’ll never make it round all 19 halls in a day if you want to browse.   Matt will be there for the duration of the show, he’s booking appointments now for the CNB66 or CNB76 & Jeanneau 64, so get in their quick if you’d like to meet him there and get a tour, he’ll also be there to discuss Sunreef, Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot & Southern Winds although they won’t have the larger models there to view. . 

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Hope you all got out on the water this summer and are planning something fun for 2020.
Happy Sailing 

and the diYachting team

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